In a Christmas Eve event that blended holiday tradition with sharp political rhetoric, former U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a provocative message to the nation and its children. The remarks came during a call with service members, an event held at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.
A Holiday Greeting with a Political Edge
Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, the former president participated in the scheduled call to thank American troops stationed around the world for their service during the holiday season. However, the event quickly took on a distinctly political tone. Trump concluded his remarks with a holiday wish directed at his political opponents, stating, "Merry Christmas to all, including the Radical Left Scum."
The comment, delivered from the opulent setting of his private club, immediately drew attention for its combative language on a day typically associated with peace and goodwill. The event was documented by Associated Press photographer Alex Brandon, capturing the moment from the Mar-a-Lago estate.
Warning Children of a 'Bad Santa'
Beyond the message to political adversaries, Trump also addressed the nation's children directly with a stark warning. He assured them that he would not allow a "bad Santa" to infiltrate the United States. This metaphorical reference appeared to frame political and ideological opponents as a threat to the country's traditional holiday values and security.
The remarks were made in the context of the long-standing NORAD Tracks Santa tradition, a cherished holiday activity where the North American Aerospace Defense Command monitors Santa Claus's fictional journey on Christmas Eve. By invoking the concept of a "bad Santa," Trump inserted a national security narrative into the festive tradition.
Context and Immediate Aftermath
The Christmas Eve call took place against a backdrop of ongoing political division in the United States. Trump's choice of venue, his Mar-a-Lago residence, has frequently served as both a personal retreat and a political headquarters during and after his presidency. The event was timed for maximum visibility, with the Associated Press releasing details and photographs on the evening of December 24th.
Analysts suggest the messaging is consistent with Trump's political strategy of leveraging cultural moments to energize his base and draw clear battle lines with opponents he frequently labels as radical or anti-American. The direct address to children, using the familiar figure of Santa Claus, represents a notable escalation in this approach, personalizing the political conflict for families during the holidays.
As the news circulated, reactions split predictably along partisan lines, with supporters praising the president's blunt style and critics condemning the use of a military-focused holiday event for political attacks. The incident underscores the deeply polarized political climate as the country heads into a new election cycle.
